They have been applauded for tackling male suicide on Coronation Street and Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldesley joined us to talk about the preparation for the story and impact it has had on people.

Shayne said that Corrie producer KateOates approached him with the storyline of his character Aidan Connor taking his own life just before Christmas.

'Instantly I was scared because there was a decision I had to make - could I do this storyline justice?' Shayne said. 'I spoke to my family, my partner, and Kate and decided I needed to do it. I knew this was bigger than me and bigger than the show. And I knew that this was going to be quite emotional.'

'I had a great meeting with Kate and CALM because it needs to be handled with respect,' he added. 'So I knew there was a huge challenge ahead because I needed to capture that and portray it to the public.'

'I knew from when I said yes to this storyline it would be a lot of pressure. But we were guided so well, and there was a counsellor on set at all times. And a lot of people expected it to be in your face and it wasn’t - but when people go back they will see that it was there.'

Shayne also gave credit to Corrie producer Kate for raise awareness of male suicide. 'I need to mention Kate Oates,' he said. 'The storylines that she has done have got a lot of attention. I think this is one of the best things you have done for the show, and with the platform that you have had.'

Talking to the viewers at home, Shayne said, 'I think it’s really important to talk and it shows that [the story] has done something. Talk because your voice will be heard.'

Shayne also spoke about the pressure that was upon him on the build up to the story’s reveal.

Shayne and Catherine, who plays Aidan's ex Eva Price, revealed that they have received many messages and thanks for portraying the story with such respect.

'We've both been inundated by messages from viewers who've said 'I've been really close to this and you helped me'. This storyline has saved lives,' Catherine said.

And Shayne thanked Corrie's fans saying: 'I want to thank everyone on Twitter, we've been inundated with confessions and people who have found their voice. Because I always say if you use your voice, someone will listen.'